Two Indo-Canadian doctors are among the honourees in the BC College of Family Physicians’ Excellence in Family Medicine Awards. Dr. Pravjot Nijjar was awarded the My Family Doctor Award (Burnaby) while Dr. Dale Dhillon was recognized with the Exceptional Teaching Honour. The BC College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) said family physicians play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people living across British Columbia. In recognition of BC Family Doctor Day, celebrated annually on May 19, the BCCFP celebrated leaders in family medicine across the province who make a difference in the lives of their patients and peers.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER – Two Indo-Canadian doctors are among the honourees in the BC College of Family Physicians’ Excellence in Family Medicine Awards.

Dr. Pravjot Nijjar was awarded the My Family Doctor Award (Burnaby) while Dr. Dale Dhillon was recognized with the Exceptional Teaching Honour.

The BC College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) said family physicians play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people living across British Columbia. In recognition of BC Family Doctor Day, celebrated annually on May 19, the BCCFP celebrated leaders in family medicine across the province who make a difference in the lives of their patients and peers.

"Every year, we are impressed by the dedication, passion, and care that BC's family physicians provide for their patients," says Kendra Johnson, Executive Director of BCCFP. "They are unrelentingly committed to advancing family medicine, and pursuing innovative, hands-on ways of delivering care for their patients in every part of BC."

"Family doctors play such an important role in the health and well-being of people across British Columbia, helping navigate life's biggest joys and biggest challenges," said Premier David Eby. "On BC Family Doctor Day, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the care, compassion, and unwavering dedication that all of B.C.'s family doctors provide, while recognizing the invaluable contributions they make to the communities they serve."

"Family doctors are vital in providing essential primary care to people in British Columbia," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "Their dedication and commitment to their patients' health and wellness is deeply appreciated. I want to thank every one of them for choosing family practice and their contributions to the profession in a wide variety of ways. Congratulations to this year's award recipients!"

"As the President of BCCFP, I am proud to celebrate the unrelenting and inspiring dedication of our members to providing compassionate, innovative, and high-quality care to patients across the province," says Dr. Vincent Wong. "BC Family Doctor Day is an opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions, and restate our collective commitment to excellence in family medicine."

The annual BCCFP Awards Celebration, taking place on May 16, recognizes family physicians who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to their patients' health, now and into the future. BCCFP is pleased to announce this year's winners, who include:

BC Family Physician of the Year: Dr. Laura Phillips

My Family Doctor Award (Prince George): Dr. Jessica Zimbler

My Family Doctor Award (Vancouver): Dr. Alison MacInnes

My Family Doctor Award (Lumby): Dr. Moa Sugimoto

My Family Doctor Award (Burnaby): Dr. Pravjot Nijjar

My Family Doctor Award (Comox): Dr. Jonathan Kerr

First Five Years of Practice Award: Dr. Charmaine Ma

First Five Years of Practice Award: Dr. Christie Chan

R2 Resident Award: Dr. Olivia Anglin

R2 Resident Award: Dr. David Luu

R2 Resident Award: Dr. Haley Smith

Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar Award: Dr. Celine McCaughran-Contreras

Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar Award: Dr. Erin Slade

College Coin Award: Dr. Julia Stewart, Dr. Fiona Duncan, Dr. Brenda Hefford, Sarah Chritchley

Exceptional Teaching Honour: Dr. Tracy Lee, Dr. Dale Dhillon, Dr. Duncan Etches, Dr. Rusanna Mitchell

About the BC College of Family Physicians: 

The BCCFP is a not-for-profit organization that supports family physicians and advocates for the future of family medicine. As the largest association representing family physicians in BC, the BCCFP provides leadership, support, advocacy and education to more than 7,000 members from across the province. The BCCFP celebrates the specialty of family medicine and the excellence in patient care family doctors provide. Our members include family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students interested in pursuing a career in family medicine.